Manufacturing giant Made Smarter South East, the Government-backed technology adoption programme, has teamed up with the Toyota Lean Management Centre (TLMC) to bring renowned manufacturing and continuous improvement expertise directly to SME factory floors.
Together they have developed a two-day programme tailored to SMEs, helping manufacturers improve processes, eliminate waste and boost productivity before investing in new technology.
The programme was successfully piloted in Buckinghamshire, bringing together 14 manufacturers hosted at renowned furniture maker Ercol’s Princes Risborough factory. Day one combined expert-led workshops and practical exercises with a factory tour, while day two took the learning directly into selected businesses.
Toyota worked with four of the participating firms, CTE Advanced Technologies, Gibbs Gears Precision Engineers, 3 Way Displays and Hansford Sensors, deep-diving into their operations and identifying opportunities for improvement.
Following the success of the Buckinghamshire pilot, Made Smarter South East and Toyota took the programme to Kent, where a further two-day course was delivered in partnership with Kent County Council in Sittingbourne.
Seven manufacturers took part: Bulgaro, Catchpole and Rye, Contracts Engineering, Torr Scientific, D.K. Holdings, G & J (CNC) Group and Cammegh, with businesses travelling from across Kent and East Sussex to participate.
Jez Heys, Technology Adoption Specialist, Made Smarter South East, said: “Digital transformation isn’t just about investing in new technology. Manufacturers need to understand their processes, where the waste is and where the biggest opportunities for improvement lie.
“That’s why lean and digital transformation work hand in hand, and why we’re delighted to be working with Toyota.
“This collaboration gives South East SMEs access to decades of world-class manufacturing expertise, helping them improve the way they work today and make smarter decisions about the technology they invest in tomorrow.”
Ian Peers, Operations Director at Ercol, said: “The workshop was fascinating and pitched really well for manufacturers outside the automotive sector. We’re now looking at how we can build on what we learned through further training and support to help improve productivity at our UK factory.”
The Toyota Production System has become one of the world’s most recognised approaches to manufacturing. The TLMC was established in the UK in 2009 to share that expertise with other organisations through training and practical support.
TLMC coach Steve Nelson said: “We are really excited to have this collaboration with Made Smarter South East. There has been so much enthusiasm and engagement from the delegates who attended the events in Buckinghamshire and Kent. Our coaches will work with local SMEs supporting the development of their businesses, but more importantly their people. Utilising the tools of the Toyota Production System alongside the cultural toolbox we call the Toyota Way, we firmly believe that these methods can be applied in any business.”
Building on the successful Buckinghamshire and Kent events, Made Smarter South East is now exploring opportunities to take the programme to manufacturers across the region.
The lean manufacturing programme is one of a range of support services available through Made Smarter South East to help SME manufacturers improve productivity and accelerate digital transformation.
Businesses that register with Made Smarter South East can access expert advice and digital roadmaps to identify their priorities, alongside leadership and skills development, internships and grant funding to support technology adoption.
To register with Made Smarter South East and find out how the programme can support your manufacturing business, visit madesmarter.uk/adoption/in-my-region/south-east
About Made Smarter South East
Made Smarter South East provides expert advice and support to manufacturing businesses, makers and creators, helping them adopt digital and automated technologies to improve productivity, reduce downtime and boost competitiveness. Following a successful pilot year, the programme has now secured additional funding to continue delivery until 31 March 2027. Backed by £3.1 million, it offers match funding of up to £20,000, alongside specialist advice, leadership training and student placements, helping small and medium-sized businesses, and the people within them, maintain their competitive edge while strengthening the South East economy.
Made Smarter South East is delivered by Surrey County Council in partnership with 11 local authorities and Local Enterprise Partnerships across the region including:
- Hampshire County Council;
- West Sussex County Council;
- East Sussex County Council;
- Kent County Council;
- Brighton & Hove City Council;
- Berkshire LEP;
- Buckinghamshire LEP;
- Medway Council;
- Milton Keynes City Council;
- Oxfordshire LEP;
- Solent LEP (representing Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City and Southampton City).
Strategic oversight of the programme is provided by the Made Smarter South East Steering Group, which brings together leaders from industry, government and regional business support organisations.
